Our Rich History: From our first Village Hall to
Ashington Community Centre
The ACCT holds the recreation ground, Community Centre, Scout Hall, Sports Pavilion, Youth Club (old village hall), Multi Sports Court, Skate Park, and the One Acre Field in trust for the people of Ashington, West Sussex. If you live in Ashington, these assets are owned by you and your neighbours. Your elected volunteer trustees manage it on your behalf for the village. They form what is called ‘Board of Trustees’ to run ACCT. Come to our AGMs to learn more. See our volunteers page if you would like to give a little something to our village.
Have a look inside our Main Hall to see the impressive Miners Lamp Hookey Mat given to us by our friends in Ashington, Northumberland. There is also a small display about our northern namesake.
How the Trust began …
The Trust was created in 1947 when it bought a plot of land called Sands Farm at a cost of £1,500. Renowned local grower AG Linfield guaranteed a loan, allowing the village to quickly raise the funds.
Farm buildings were converted into the first village hall. The Cowshed became the kitchen and toilets. A pavilion and new Scout Hut followed. Grants and fund raising events saw the loan quickly repaid.
Farm buildings were converted into the first village hall. The Cowshed became the kitchen and toilets. A pavilion and new Scout Hut followed. Grants and fund raising events saw the loan quickly repaid.
The Trust in the 21st Century…
The village expanded in the years around the Millennium with a new village school opening in the year 2000. We raised grants and funding to build a new modern village hall. Look in foyer to see who bought a brick!
Ashington Community Centre was opened by Jimmy Hill in November 2003. A multi-sports court, play grounds and a skate park followed.
The Rec has hosted village sports for decades.
Ashington Community Centre was opened by Jimmy Hill in November 2003. A multi-sports court, play grounds and a skate park followed.
The Rec has hosted village sports for decades.
Sir Arthur George (AG) Linfield
AG Linfield, later Sir Arthur George Linfield, was a co-founder of the Village Hall and Fields charity that birthed the Ashington Community Centre Trust in 1948-9 when the first Village Hall was officially opened. As well as running and part-owning the well known local business, he moved to the Oast House and was a figure of renown locally and across the country professionally.
Sir AG Linfield is our first honouree in recognition of his work, in securing land and buildings, acting as guarantor for a loan of £1,500 and co-founding the charity and trust. He was also the first Chairman. We are grateful for his contribution that has so strongly influenced the shape the trust and its work. Read more about his contribution here.
Sir AG Linfield was known for good works and was involved with countless organisations throughout his life. He also acted as a horticultural advisor to the Queen. We are grateful to his grandson, Malcolm Linfield, for providing this fascinating biography and a picture of AG Linfield in 1949 with the West Sussex War Agricultural Executive Committee.
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